Work Vehicle Accidents

Injured in a Work-Related Auto Accident? Know Your Rights

Truck Driver, real estate agent, delivery person, mail carrier, plumber-they may not sound like the most dangerous jobs, but they all have one thing in common that often leads to injury and even death. Workers in these professions, and thousands of others, have to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. 

You may be surprised to hear this, but work related auto accidents are the number one cause of worker deaths in the United States. In fact, truck and car accidents make up 40% of all work-related deaths each year.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a work-related auto accident, our attorneys at Dale E. Anstine can answer your questions, free of charge. 

An auto accident is traumatic enough, let alone when it happens while working. You’re hurt. You’re worried about missing work and paying bills. We’re here to take the burden off you, and to assist with the insurance calls, the doctor’s appointments, medical bills and more. 

Work-Related Auto Accident Statistics

• Last year, nearly 1 out of every 5 fatally injured workers was employed as a driver/sales worker or truck driver
• Motor vehicle crashes are the 1st or 2nd leading cause of death in every major industry group
• Transportation incidents increased by 2 percent last year to 2,122 cases-the most cases since 2010.

Are Work-Related Auto Accidents Covered by Workers’ Comp in Pennsylvania?

To be covered by workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania, the accident had to take place while the employee was driving within the course of their job. Generally, getting in a wreck on your commute will not be covered.

But if your work-related auto accident occurred while doing one of these things, you’re likely covered:

• Driving to a client or business meeting
• Making a delivery for the employer
• Driving to a conference
• Transporting yourself or a co-worker to a work-related activity
• Running an errand for office supplies

What Can You Be Compensated For?

If an accident took place while doing any of these types of tasks, the workers’ compensation insurance company would be the primary source of benefits. Even if the accident was your fault, workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania entitles you to several benefits including:

• Coverage for medical expenses
• Total disability compensation 
• Partial disability benefits 
• Permanent injury payments
• Death benefits 

While workers’ compensation is limited to economic losses, a worker injured in a work-related vehicle accident may be able to receive compensation for non-economic losses if there is a third party involved who caused the accident. These losses may include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent damages
• Disabilities
• Psychological or psychiatric harm
• Loss of consortium—including spousal companionship and support

If you’ve been injured in a work-related auto accident, one of our experienced attorneys at Dale E. Anstine will help determine the proper course of action for your case.

Contact Our Attorneys for a Work-Related Auto Accident Right Away!

Pennsylvania laws concerning work-related auto accidents can be confusing. An attorney at Dale E. Anstine can guide you through the workers’ compensation process and help you take additional action against the people at fault, if necessary. 

Our law firm has been practicing personal injury law in York and Adams counties for decades. Let us focus on your work-related auto accident case while you recover from your injuries. We do not charge a fee for representation unless we win your case for you, so reach out today for help.